MK Dons manager Mike Williamson has fired back at Roy Keane following the outspoken pundit’s sharp criticism of his team’s performance during their 1-0 loss to Salford City.
Keane, who was in attendance at the Peninsula Stadium, voiced his disapproval over the Dons’ lack of urgency, particularly as they chased an equaliser in the final stages of the game. The match was decided by a 42nd-minute strike from Frankie Okoronkwo, and despite their efforts, MK Dons were unable to find a way back into the contest.
Speaking on The Overlap with Jamie Carragher and Salford City owner Gary Neville, the former Manchester United captain expressed frustration with the Dons’ playing style, particularly goalkeeper Tom McGill’s slow build-up. “The goalkeeper is coming out taking seven or eight touches with 15 minutes to go,” Keane said. “I was going to hang around afterwards to talk to the MK Dons goalkeeper to ask if he knew they were losing.”
Keane’s ire wasn’t reserved for McGill alone, as he criticised the whole team’s approach, suggesting that they lacked the drive and sense of urgency needed to push forward in search of an equaliser. “In American sports, you take a time-out and tell the lads, ‘We’re losing! We have to get the ball down there!’ MK Dons – who do you think you are? Get it forward,” Keane remarked, questioning the team’s priorities and suggesting they were overcomplicating things.
Unsurprisingly, Williamson wasn’t going to let Keane’s scathing assessment go unchallenged. In response during a press conference, he acknowledged Keane’s right to an opinion but defended his team’s style. “He’s paid to be opinionated, that’s his job now,” Williamson said. “He’s been a manager, he’s had his own ways and philosophies. It’s his opinion, he wants to create controversy so that’s absolutely fine.”
While Williamson admitted that his team hadn’t performed at their best, he stuck by his philosophy of playing out from the back, even when under pressure. “Everyone jumps in with their opinion when things aren’t going well because they don’t see the rhyme and reason behind it,” he noted. “But we lost the game so I don’t have much of a comeback other than, on another day, we don’t miss those chances playing the way we play.”
Despite the loss, Williamson maintained that MK Dons are on the right track. He pointed to the underlying statistics, which he believes demonstrate the progress his team is making, even if the results aren’t yet reflecting that. “We know we’re on the right path, we’ve got stats to back everything up. Our expected position looks good but the reality is that it isn’t,” Williamson said.
The manager did admit that the team’s lack of intensity and failure to show their usual character in the Salford match was disappointing. However, he remained confident that his squad could bounce back. “Watching [the game] back, you see things you miss. Of course, we missed chances, but we didn’t have the personality that we usually play with either,” he acknowledged.
Looking ahead to their upcoming match against Walsall, Williamson called on his players to respond and move on from the Salford defeat. “Everyone is angry. Frustration is a word that easily describes it, but it’s more emotive than that. We want to put the performance and result behind us on Saturday by showing our personality and our identity,” he concluded.
Our View
Roy Keane’s reputation as a no-nonsense footballer has translated directly into his punditry, where he doesn’t shy away from blunt criticism. His remarks on MK Dons echo his usual emphasis on urgency and a direct approach, reflecting his playing philosophy. Keane’s focus on cutting through any perceived over-complication is a view shared by many traditionalists in football, who prefer quick, forward play over methodical build-ups.
For Mike Williamson, though, the challenge lies in balancing style with substance. His commitment to possession-based football is admirable, but in lower leagues like League Two, the need for results can often outweigh the desire to stick to a particular philosophy. While Williamson’s belief in the process is clear, as seen in his response to Keane, fans and critics alike will expect his team to adapt when necessary – especially in matches where a more direct approach could lead to points on the board.
Leave a Reply